U.S. President Donald Trump announced this Saturday the imposition of 30% tariffs on goods imported from the European Union, a measure set to take effect on August 1 and likely to further strain transatlantic relations.
Donald Trump made the announcement via his platform Truth Social, justifying the decision as “a necessary step to protect American industry and jobs from unfair trade practices.” Although specific sectors have yet to be detailed, the tariff hike is expected to impact key European exports such as automobiles, industrial machinery, wine, and processed foods—prompting a swift response from Brussels.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the move as “unjustified and contrary to World Trade Organization rules.” In a brief statement, she warned that the European Union “will respond firmly and proportionally” if Washington does not reverse the decision. According to EU sources, the Commission is already preparing a package of retaliatory tariffs.
The announcement comes less than four months before the U.S. presidential election and in a volatile geopolitical context, with global trade still recovering from the pandemic and ongoing international conflicts. EU ambassadors will meet Monday in Brussels to coordinate a common response and consider support measures for the most exposed economic sectors. A renewed transatlantic trade war could particularly hit countries like Germany, France, and Spain.
